Tommie Platt Robb, 82
Tom Robb, 82, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away peacefully Jan. 24, 2023.
Tom was born in Hastings, Neb., on Oct. 26, 1940, to Theodore and Margaret (Platt) Robb.
In 1943, his family including Tom’s older brother Gary moved to Boise, Idaho. Gary and our dad had a wonderful childhood in Boise. Tom loved swimming the canals, causing mischief and riding his bike to the Boise Depot to watch The Portland Rose and others roll in. This began his lifelong love affair with trains. The Conductors knew him by name, often yelling “Tommie, get your bike off the platform."
Tom graduated Boise High School class of 1958. Then went on to Boise Junior College and The College of Idaho. Where he graduated and also played Football. He then got a part-time job as a graduate assistant at Boise’s Borah High School, coaching under Ed Troxell.
In 1960, Tom married Mary Elizabeth Blair. They were married 62 years. She was the love of his life and his rock during tough times. In 1963, their son, Michael, was born.
A full time teaching position became available at Coeur d’Alene High School in 1963. Ed Troxell knew the football coach at CHS, a gentleman by the name of Cotton Barlow. He told him he knew of a promising young man looking for a job. That’s how our Dad came to the sleepy little town of Coeur d’Alene. He taught at Cd'A High School for four years. He loved teaching and he loved coaching under Cotton Barlow, who became a mentor to our Dad. Teaching at Cd'A High School was some of the happiest times of his life. Where he met many lifelong friends. He loved teaching but mostly he loved the kids. We’ve been told many stories over the years how he bought a kid a pair of cleats, paid a registration fee, got someone a summer job, etc. … He truly cared for the kids.
In 1966, their second son, Aaron, was born.
In 1967, he left Cd'A High School to go to North Idaho Junior College where he taught economics and other business classes for five years, and also started NIJC’s track program. During his teaching career, he earned a master's degree from the University of Idaho.
In 1972, he left teaching and opened The Iron Horse on Sherman Ave. In 1977, with partners he bought Arrow Point Resort and managed it for 25 years. In 1997, he opened Iron Horse Bar & Grill in Spokane Valley. How’s that for longevity?
In his later years, he loved spending time in Prichard, Idaho, where he made many friends.
Our dad was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and business man. His four favorite F words were Family, Friends, Faith and Forgiveness. He taught his family that. We are forever grateful to have him in our lives.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents Theodore and Margaret Robb, his brother, Gary (Tom was very close to his brother and they loved spending time together), and sister-in-law Gloria.
He is survived by his wife Mary, his sons, Mike and Aaron, daughter-in-law Patty, grandchildren David and Abby, sister-in-law Gail, niece Kris (Steve) Swanson, nephew Terry (Lisa) Robb and sister-in-law Debbie (Kim) Smith. He loved his Boise family.
We would like to thank Dr. Eric Benson, Dr. Ron Fritz, the Heart Clinic and Dr. Danko.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. — Iron Horse Downtown Cd'A.
